F/SF

Kurt Vonnegut is a sublime craftsman, whose days both as a soldier and news reporter honed his empathy and literary skills so that he has been able to write books that work on many levels, reaching many people with grand success; all the while flying the flag for peace and goodwill so as to encourage us all to treat each other and this beautiful planet we happen to live on, with love. His self deprecating characters are portals to all the craziness and tomfoolery in the world, beautifully accentuated by sharp, satirical, ironic wit.

This particular tale is suffused with themes I imagine particularly relevant to Vonnegut's own life - it almost feels like this is somewhat semi-autobiographical too - (writing, art, war, living in the late bloom of life). It tells the tale of a One-eyed Armenian called Rabo Karabekian who is a retired and ridiculed abstract expressionist painter and soldier who now lives in relative hermitdom, whilst writing an autobiography in his late years. His memoirs are permeated with happenings of his present day life too, which serve to create a tale of his life from both ends, as it were.

Having studied art, the abstract expressionist strand endeared me ever further to another strong work by one of my favourite authors. Not only does he do the whole art shebang justice - mixing it into the plot like jesso into oil paint (see what I did there?) he crafts another story of immense pathos. Well worth the read for wise words about life and how to live it better, all wrapped up in the life and story of an eyepatch-wearing, melancholy, reflective soul. ( )

After years of being away from Vonnegut and his world, the return reminded me why I'd left it! I enjoy his humor but the lack of focus and constant switching of time frames drove me nuts! It's a fun story filled with odd ball characters which is one of several trademarks of the author. I enjoy authors who stray from the ordinary but this one did not work for my tastes. I have to give him credit for creative character development though the plot fails to rise to the same level. If you're unfamiliar with his approach, it's worth reading but keep in mind you're in for a battle of time frames and barrage of characters that require a scorecard to keep track! ( )

An aging artist who has never quite found his muse, meets a middle-aged widow who is determined to get him out of the blues and find out what he has to offer to the world. This is his autobiography and sometimes diary.

I didn't know what to expect from a Vonnegut novel, and I didn't expect I would like it much from things I have heard about his other stories. Surprise, surprise! I enjoyed this very much. The characters were all quite interesting and the way they were introduced was like nibbling at a fine cheese, then wanting more. I think I learned more about the motives and reasons for Abstract Expressionism than I have ever learned from reading Art History books. Intriguing.

I did NOT expect a happy ending, not even sure it feels right, however, I am thankful for it because dreary books make me feel weary. Life is too dreary at the moment to read dreary fiction. ( )

I can't believe I have not read this wonderful book before. It is one of Vonnegut's best. ( )